Fletch looking for a winning end to reign

Gateshead Thunder coach Paul Fletcher's 18 month reign at the Thunderdome ends tomorrow when the Tynesiders entertain joint top side Keighley Cougars in their final National League Two game of the season.

Gateshead Thunder coach Paul Fletcher's 18 month reign at the Thunderdome ends tomorrow when the Tynesiders entertain joint top side Keighley Cougars in their final National League Two game of the season.

And Fletcher admits it will be an emotional occasion as the curtain comes down on his 52-game tenure which has brought four wins and a draw.

"My love affair with the club and the people of the North East may be coming to an end," said Fletcher, "but a piece of my heart will always be in Gateshead.

"It's been a roller-coaster period but one that's been immensely enjoyable and I want us to go out on a high against Keighley.

"The Cougars will be tough but we played well against another top side Sheffield Eagles last week and I'm looking for a similar performance - but with a different outcome."

Even though he had already handed in his resignation, Fletcher secured four- figure sponsorship for the Sheffield game and has worked tirelessly on Thunder's behalf over the last year and a half.

Last week's 48-24 defeat was Gateshead's ninth on the bounce and the Tyke is desperate to avoid finishing on an imperfect 10.

"There's an inner strength at Gateshead," added Fletcher, "which has seen the club repeatedly bounce back from adversity on and off the pitch and I expect this young side to hit the heights in the future."

Fletcher paid tribute to his back-up staff and in particular assistants Martyn Flynn and George Taylor, both of whom are expected to stay at Gateshead.

Hull-bound winger Richie Barnett plays his final game tomorrow, while leading try scorer Damian Reed is attracting interest from Super League outfits London Bronocs, Castleford Tigers and Hull FC.

Meanwhile, influential prop David Bates looks to have played his final game for the Tynesiders after refusing to train due to a dispute with the club.

Forward Scott Harrison is the only other absentee for Thunder who will face a Keighley side backed by a large following with all under-16s admitted free.